Standards for Pennsylvania (PA)

Discipline
Audiologist
License/Certificate
Audiologist
State Department
NA
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Speech-Language%20Pathology%20and%20Audiology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/ Certification
Age Range
"Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Doctoral
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
"An applicant must complete 1,260 hours of supervised professional experience. Each speech-language pathologist or audiologist shall have completed 20 clock hours of continuing education per license during each preceding biennial renewal period.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Praxis Audiology (5343); Qualifying score: 162
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Deaf and Hard of Hearing Specialist
License/Certificate
Hearing Impaired PK-12
State Department
Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/ Certification
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
At least 375 hours of supervised clinical practicum in at least two different sites, as well as an internship program.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
"
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools
Teachers of Speech/Language Impaired and Teachers of Deaf/Hard of Hearing The Commonwealth of PA grants certification to speech- language clinicians and teachers of the deaf/hearing impaired who have completed the following. This is an educational certification. Individuals who have this credential are eligible to provide service in the schools only. If this is the only credential an individual holds, he/she is not eligible to provide therapy privately or in any setting other than a school.

Discipline
Early Childhood Educator
License/Certificate
Regular Early Childhood Education (Pre-K-4)
State Department
NA
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
PreK - 4 yrs
Degree Level Requirement
Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
The Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) offers two certifications in the subject of early childhood education: Certification and Staffing Policy Guidelines (CSPG) #39 for pre-k to the third grade and CSPG #41 for elementary education and grades K-6
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools
The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania. For teachers who want to go above and beyond state certification, the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS) offers a voluntary Early Childhood Generalist Certificate for teachers of students from three to eight years old.

Discipline
Early Childhood Special Educator
License/Certificate
Early Interventionist
State Department
NA
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Early%20Learning/Early%20Intervention/Pages/Resources-for-Professionals.aspx#.VqegJfkrJhF
Type of License/Certificate
Unspecified
Age Range
Birth - 5 yrs
Degree Level Requirement
Bachelors
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
(1) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, child development, special education or family studies, and 1 year of full-time or full-time-equivalent experience working directly with preschool children with disabilities and their families or a university-supervised or college-supervised student practicum or teaching experience with preschool children with disabilities and their families. (2) A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university which includes 15 credit hours in early intervention, early childhood special education, early childhood education, child development, special education or family studies; and 1 year of full-time or full-time-equivalent experience working directly with preschool children with disabilities and their families; and demonstrated knowledge, understanding and skills needed to perform the functions specified in § 4226.54 (relating to early interventionist responsibilities).
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Certification by the Pennsylvania Civil Service Commission as meeting the qualifications of a Caseworker 2 or 3 classification.
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Early Childhood Special Educator
License/Certificate
Special Education PK-12
State Department
NA
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
PreK - 12
Degree Level Requirement
Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
"Spec Education: Foundational Knowledge (5355); Qualifying score:145
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Family Therapist
License/Certificate
Licensed Marrige and Family Therapist
State Department
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.pa.gov/en/agencies/dos/department-and-offices/bpoa/boards-commissions/social-workers-marriage-family-therapists-professional-counselors.html
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Masters
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Practicum (minimum 1 year, 300 hours of supervised direct client contact with individuals, couples and families).
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
The Association of Marriage and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) National MFT Examination
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Nurse
License/Certificate
Registered Nurse
State Department
State Board of Nursing
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Nursing/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7h_krJhE
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Not Specified
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
1. Physical and biological sciences shall include content from the areas of anatomy and physiology, chemistry, microbiology, physics and nutrition, which may be integrated, combined or presented as separate courses; the scientific facts and principles drawn from these areas serve as a basis for planning and implementing nursing care. When the basic sciences are presented as distinct academic courses - that is, chemistry, anatomy and physiology and microbiology - there shall be a related laboratory experience. A related laboratory experience is defined as an assigned period of time during which students participate in the testing of scientific principles. 2. Selected courses shall be included in the humanities and social and behavioral sciences that support the philosophy, purposes, educational concepts and terminal objectives of the program. 3. The curriculum shall provide concurrent theory and clinical experience in the care of men, women and children in age groups and with the health problems characteristic of each group. Experiences shall be provided which include preventive aspects of nursing care during acute and chronic illness and rehabilitative care. Opportunities shall be provided for the student to participate in case findings, health teaching and health counseling for patients and their families. Evening and night assignments are considered part of the curriculum only in terms of the objectives to be achieved and if faculty supervision is provided. 4. Content related to history, trends and professional responsibilities of nursing may be integrated, combined or taught as separate courses.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
The National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN)
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Occupational Therapist
License/Certificate
Occupational Therapist
State Department
State Board of Occupational Therapy Education and Licensure
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/OccupationalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Successfully complete a period of supervised fieldwork experience at a recognized educational institute or training program approved by the educational institution where the academic requirements are met including:  a minimum of 6 months of supervised fieldwork for an occupational therapist and a minimum of 2 months of supervised fieldwork for occupational therapy assistant.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Occupational Therapist Registered (OTR) licensure examination or has qualified for a waiver of the licensure examination administered by the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Physical Therapist
License/Certificate
Physical Therapist
State Department
State Board of Physical Therapy
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/PhysicalTherapy/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Master’s degree in physical therapy from a regionally accredited institution of higher education
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
An applicant must complete at least 2,000 hours of experience providing patient-related acts and services verified by a supervising licensed physical therapist.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Applicant must pass the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE)
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Psychologist
License/Certificate
Psychologist
State Department
State Board of Psychology
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Psychology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Doctoral
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
"An applicant shall complete 1 year of acceptable postdoctoral supervised experience. One year is calculated as a period of at least 12 months consisting of at least 1,750 hours of experience. No more than 45 hours but no less than 15 hours of experience may be counted per week. Fifty percent of the required hours must be obtained performing diagnosis, assessment, therapy, other interventions, supervision or consultation and receiving supervision or consultation. The remaining required hours may be obtained by teaching in association with an organized psychology program preparing practicing psychologists or a postdoctoral training program, psychological research or any of the categories listed in this paragraph. The total experience must be obtained within 10-calendar years from the award of the doctoral degree.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Applicants shall obtain a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice In Psychology and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination to qualify for licensure.
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
School Psychologist
License/Certificate
Specialist-School Psychologist
State Department
Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Kindergarten - 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement
Unspeficied
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Complete an approved internship experience consisting of at least 1,000 hours
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Praxis School Psychologist (5403); Qualifying score: 155
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Social Worker
License/Certificate
Clinical Social Worker
State Department
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7AvkrJhE
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth-Death
Degree Level Requirement
Masters Degree
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
An applicant must complete at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after completion of the master's degree in social work. The supervised clinical experience shall be completed in no less than 2 years. 30 hours of continuing education for each biennial renewal
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
An applicant must pass the Association of Social Work Boards - Clinical Examination.
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Social Worker
License/Certificate
Social Worker
State Department
State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/SocialWorkersMarriageanFamilyTherapistsandProfessionalCounselors/Pages/default.aspx#.Vqd7AvkrJhE
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
Birth - Death
Degree Level Requirement
Master's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Has completed at least 3,000 hours of supervised clinical experience after completion of the master’s degree in social work
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
A candidate must pass the Association of Social Work Boards' (ASWB) master's level examination
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Speech Language Pathologist
License/Certificate
Special Education-Speech/Language Impaired
State Department
Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Teachers%20-%20Administrators/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
License/Certificate
Age Range
3 yrs - 12th grade
Degree Level Requirement
Bachelors
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Can't find information
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Initial Pennsylvania certification for all K-12 areas: Agriculture, Art, Business/Computer/Information Technology, Environmental Education, Family and Consumer Science, Health, Health and Physical Education, Library Science, Marketing Education, Music, Reading Specialist, Hearing Impaired, Speech & Language Impaired, Visually Impaired, Technology Education, and World Languages: PAPA*: Reading, Writing, Mathematics (Performance criterion cutscore: 220 per module) Fundamental Subjects: Content Knowledge Appropriate content area test (Praxis II)-Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments (5282 or 0282) 163
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools
The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.

Discipline
Speech Language Pathologist
License/Certificate
Special Education-Speech/Language Impaired
State Department
State Board of Examiners in Speech-Language and Hearing
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/Speech-Language%20Pathology%20and%20Audiology/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
License/Certificate
Age Range
Birth-Death
Degree Level Requirement
Masters
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
"The applicant shall begin the supervised professional experience within 4 years of conferral of the degree, and shall complete no less than 1,260 hours in no less than 9 months, but no more than 2 years.
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Speech-Language Pathology (5331); Qualifying score: 162
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools

Discipline
Vision Specialist
License/Certificate
Special Education-Visually Impaired
State Department
Pennsylvania Department of Education
State Department Hyperlink
https://www.education.pa.gov/Educators/Certification/Pages/default.aspx
Type of License/Certificate
Licensure/Certificate
Age Range
PK-12
Degree Level Requirement
Bachelor's
Licensure Specific Curriculum/Coursework
Licensure Require Specific Field or Clinical Work?
Licensure Dependent on an Exam?
Special Education: Teaching Students with Visual Impairments (5282); Qualifying score: 163
Additional Req Part C
Additional Req Schools
The Pennsylvania Teacher Intern Certification Program is specifically designed for individuals who possess a minimum of a baccalaureate degree. Currently, the program is offered in 37 approved colleges and universities in Pennsylvania.